Global Alliance Against Atrocity and Violence on Humanity (GA3VH)
Date: 17 Nov 2025
Bangladesh: GA3VH Urges Immediate Attention to Alarming Restrictions on Freedom of Expression and Academic Independence
The Global Alliance Against Atrocity and Violence on Humanity (GA3VH) expresses profound concern over the increasing constraints on freedom of expression, academic independence, and civic participation in Bangladesh under the current interim administration led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus.
Recent reports indicate that teachers, academics, and citizens are facing suspension from employment, administrative reprisals, intimidation, and arbitrary detention for peacefully expressing their views, particularly through social media. These actions raise serious questions regarding Bangladesh’s compliance with its obligations under:
• The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
• The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR)
• The UN Declaration on Human Rights Defenders
• The UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Higher-Education Teaching Personnel
GA3VH notes with particular concern that the suppression of legitimate criticism, including administrative action against university faculty members, undermines the principles of academic freedom, institutional autonomy, and open public discourse—values essential for a functioning democratic society.
Key Concerns Identified by GA3VH
• Punitive measures for peaceful expression appear inconsistent with Bangladesh’s international human rights obligations.
• Academic personnel must be free from political or administrative retaliation when engaging in scholarly or public debate.
• The shrinking civic space poses a significant risk to human rights defenders, educators, and civil society actors.
GA3VH Calls on the International Community
GA3VH respectfully urges the United Nations Human Rights Council, relevant UN Special Rapporteurs, and the broader international community to:
- Closely monitor the human rights situation in Bangladesh, particularly incidents involving restrictions on free expression.
- Engage with the Government of Bangladesh to ensure that its actions align with international human rights norms.
- Support the protection of educators, human rights defenders, and all individuals facing reprisals for peaceful expression.
GA3VH reiterates its strong concern that failure to safeguard fundamental freedoms will accelerate the erosion of democratic institutions and civic trust.
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